What are the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)? In 2015, the UN set for itself and its 193 member states 17 key central global goals, spanning a variety of areas affecting the lives of all citizens on Earth—with the aspiration to realize these goals by 2030.
From eradicating poverty to gender equality, and from stabilizing the climate crisis to improving education—all member states have committed to making efforts to advance these goals, which impact the daily lives of each and every one of us.
Let’s dive into the 17 goals that constitute the moral, practical, and ideological compass of the UN:
- No Poverty – To end poverty in all its forms everywhere. Believe it or not, over 10% of the world’s population lives on less than 6 NIS a day! This poverty causes shortages in food, electricity, drinking water, housing, medicine, and basic clothing, leading to illness and premature death. Children are the most vulnerable, making up over 50% of those living in extreme poverty. This goal aims for absolute eradication by 2030 by identifying vulnerable populations, providing basic resources and services, and supporting those affected by natural disasters, climate change, and wars.
- Zero Hunger – Eradicating hunger and achieving food security, alongside promoting sustainable agriculture. Nearly a billion people lack access to sufficient food, including about 100 million children at life-threatening underweight levels. This goal aims to end hunger by 2030 by doubling agricultural efficiency, creating stable food production systems, and preventing trade restrictions.
- Good Health and Well-being – Promoting healthy lives and human well-being for all ages. Key targets include eradicating infectious diseases, reducing maternal and infant mortality, decreasing deaths from air pollution and road accidents, and preventing substance abuse.
- Quality Education – Promoting high-level education with equal opportunities for all. In developing countries, one in four girls does not attend school. The goal is to ensure accessibility to quality education through building and improving primary schools, providing equitable education without discrimination, and expanding scholarships and teacher supply.
- Gender Equality – Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Sadly, more than one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. This goal aims to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women, prevent forced marriages, and encourage full participation of women in decision-making roles.
- Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. As of 2015, nearly a billion people lacked access to basic clean water. The goal is to ensure access to affordable clean water, improve water quality, and protect water-related ecosystems.
- Affordable and Clean Energy – Access to modern and affordable energy. One in ten people lives without electricity. The goal is to ensure universal access to reliable energy services, double energy efficiency improvement, and increase the global share of renewable energy.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting sustained and sustainable economic growth. This involves protecting labor rights, eradicating modern slavery and child labor, and achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and innovation.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialization, and fostering innovation. This includes improving scientific research and technological capabilities, particularly in developing countries.
- Reduced Inequalities – Reducing inequality within and among countries. In 1980, the wealthiest 1% held 16% of global income. This goal includes achieving progressive growth for the bottom 40% of the population and adopting policies for fair wages and social protection.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities – Making cities safe, resilient, and sustainable. With the global population growing, the goal aims to ensure access to adequate housing for all, upgrade slums, and improve urban transport systems.
- Responsible Consumption and Production – Achieving efficient use of natural resources, reducing global food waste, encouraging recycling, and managing chemical waste responsibly.
- Climate Action – Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. This includes raising awareness, building climate resilience, and implementing international treaties like the Paris Agreement.
- Life Below Water – Conserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources. This involves significantly reducing marine pollution, regulating fishing, and protecting coastal ecosystems.
- Life on Land – Protecting terrestrial ecosystems. This includes conserving forests, combating desertification (restoring degraded land), and taking action to halt the poaching and trafficking of protected species.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. Targets include significantly reducing all forms of violence, ending abuse and trafficking (especially of children), reducing corruption, and promoting the rule of law.
- Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development. This involves international cooperation in finance, technology, and trade to help developing countries reach these goals.
